For admission to the Master of Science (M.S.) program, a student must meet all requirements of the Graduate School of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and must have completed at least 24 academic credit hours of biological and physical sciences at the undergraduate level or demonstrated related research or work experience. Interested applicants must electronically submit all materials (online application, application fee, and official transcripts) directly to the University of Tennessee Graduate School. The online application procedure will direct the applicant to submit three letters of reference (or three Graduate Rating Forms) from persons capable of assessing the applicant’s suitability for graduate work, and a statement of career goals and interests in entomology or plant pathology. In the statement letter, the concentration of interest and intended major professor should be indicated. Applicants are strongly encouraged to make contact with prospective major professors early in the application process.

For admission to the Ph.D. program, a student must meet all requirements of the Graduate School of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Applicants must submit an online application, a nonrefundable application fee, and official transcripts to the Office of Graduate Admissions. International students, whose native language is not English, must submit official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). In the statement letter and application, the concentration of interest and preferred major professor must be indicated. Applicants are strongly encouraged to make contact with prospective major professors early in the application process. It is preferred that applicants for the Ph.D. program have completed an M.S. degree (24 graduate-level credit hours beyond the undergraduate degree and a written thesis).

Examine the list of EPP faculty to determine who best fits your scientific interests. Contact faculty members, typically by email or phone, and express your interest in working with them. If possible, arrange to make a day visit to the department to discuss things in person, or an online interview. These steps are important as the mentor may be able to provide financial support and can serve as your advocate in the application and funding process. The GSC may recommend acceptance even if you do not have an agreed mentor, but you will need to have one in place within one month after acceptance into the EPP program.

• Interested students are strongly encouraged to contact an EPP faculty member directly via email and arrange either an in person or online interview with them before applying
• Complete online application form
• Application fee ($60 non-refundable fee by credit/debit card or electronic check)
• Academic transcripts: Unofficial transcripts of all college courses are sufficient for the application, but official transcripts sent directly from the previous institutions to the UT Graduate School must be provided after admission.
• Complete supplementary information with emphasis on undergraduate preparation, demonstration of extracurricular or supplemental study related to entomology, plant pathology, or bioinformatics, academic honors, awards or scholarships, and papers, abstracts, or presentations given previously.
• Three letters of reference from former instructors, mentors, or advisors that attest to your interest and ability to perform graduate work and address your academic and research potential.
• Designation of Mentor 1 (first choice) and Mentor 2 (second choice) to serve as your major professor on the EPP Academic and Personal Information Form. We encourage applicants to visit if at all possible. We may be able to provide modest travel support to help pay for fuel or lodging.
• Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take and pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

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